Holly is not well

[Holly's Mum]

This is my first time at this site and I really could use some help. Holly is 14 years old this summer (I've had her since she was 8 weeks old) and until this past week she has been very healthy. We have learned that she has Adenocarcinoma ( a cancer in the lungs) and her lungs have already been drained of fluid once to ease her breathing. It is a certainty that this will happen again and although she is comforatble now (eating and chatting to the birds at the window), I don't want her to go through the stress of being raced to the emergency clinic again or to be in any pain. We have arranged for a vet who does house calls to come tonight so that she can be put to sleep while she is pain free, with those who love her, and in calm familiar surroundings. The Doctor calls it a controlled decision to protect Holly from suffering, but while she still appears okay we feel incredibly guilty. How do you know when it is the right time to make this decision?

[LavenderRott]

I think it is incredibly brave of you to make this decision at this point. I know so many people who hang on and try all kinds of things that help in the short term, but in the long run just drag things out.

Your cat (?) still has her dignity. That is so much better then suffering. I didn't find out that my dog had cancer until it was too late to do anything. The look of embarrassement on her face as we carried her down the stairs to take her to the vet was haunting.

Take some pictures and give her her favorite treats. Let her enjoy the day and enjoy spending it with her.

There is a special place in Heaven for those who put their pets feelings before their own.

[mom_to_many]

You just know in your heart when it is time.

Your decision to keep her home shows you really are a great and caring person. And as Lavender stated...enjoy the day with her.

[Lucky Rescue]

I"m so sorry you are losing your kitty who you love so deeply.

It's so hard to make that decision and I know I waited too long at least once.

You'll know when it's time and your cat still doesn't have to suffer.

When she stops eating for good, loses interest in anything going on around her and becomes lethargic, that's when I would do it.

Again, so sorry but Holly is a very lucky girl to have had such a long life with someone who loves her so much.

[Holly's Mum]

thank you everyone for your advice and kind words. We have been on the phone with our regular vet and with the vet who is coming this evening. They have both said that she could take a turn for the worse within a matter of hours. I think my biggest fear is that I will be at work and she will go into distress for God only knows how many hours and then to ease her suffering I will have to take her to the vet emerg. The vet that makes house calls is not available this weekend and already Holly's breathing is a little more pronounced. I don't want to hang on to her for my own selfish reasons, I feel that my greatest responsibility is to protect her from suffering that we know is inevitable. I'm trying to enjoy the time that we have and spoiling her with sardines and cream and cheese! Like you said Lavender, she deserves to pass with dignity.

[Lucky Rescue]

You're doing the right thing with this final act of kindness.

[Snooky'sMom]

How do you know when it is the right time to make this decision?[/QUOTE]

First of all, I'm so sorry about your cat. I think your baby will let you know when the time is right. If she resists the procedure I would back off and wait for the right time. That's a good thing of having the vet come to your home instead of going to a clinic. They get so stressed at the clinic.